Tim Kaine makes his big introduction to America with a searing takedown of Donald Trump

On the day he accepted the Democratic nomination for vice
president, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine roiled Republican nominee
Donald Trump in a big introduction to a broad audience
at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The Virginia senator and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's
running mate repeatedly dug into Trump, even occasionally
bursting into an impression of the real-estate mogul.

"By the way, does anyone here believe that Donald Trump's been
paying his fair share of taxes?" he continued, noting Trump's
persistent refusal to release his tax returns, which every major
party nominee has done since 1976. "Do you believe he ought to
release those tax returns like every other presidential candidate
in modern history? Of course he should. Donald, what are you
hiding?"

Kaine continued his ripping of Trump, adding that "most people"
who run for president don't back up their proposals by saying,
"Believe me."

"They respect you enough to tell you how they will get things
done," he said. "He never tells you how he's going to do any of
the things he says he's going to do. He just says, 'Believe me.'
So here's the question. Do you really believe him? Donald Trump's
whole career says you better not."

The Virginia Democrat lambasted Trump for his reported treatment
of small contractors, Florida retirees, charities, Trump
university students, and other current and former associates.

"He says, 'Believe me,'" Kaine continued. "Well, his
creditors, his contractors, his laid-off employees, his
ripped-off students did just that. Folks, you cannot believe one
word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth. Our nation is too
great to put it in the hands of a slick-talking, empty-promising,
self-promoting, one man wrecking crew."

Kaine employed the statements of prominent Republicans not
in favor of Trump's candidacy to help back up his point. Kaine
mentioned former First Lady Barbara Bush, a former adviser to
Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and Ohio Gov. John
Kasich.

The senator also praised Clinton, the Democratic nominee and the
other half of his ticket. He explained why he trusts her to be a
good president.

"First, she's consistent," he said. "She has battled to put kids
and families first since she was a teenager – in good times and
bad, in victory and defeat, in and out of office, through hell or
high water. Fighting for underprivileged kids at the Children's
Defense Fund. Fighting to get health insurance for 8 million kids
when she was First Lady. Fighting for the well-being of women and
girls around the world."

"Here's a little tip for you: When you want to know about the
character of someone in public life, look to see if they have a
passion, one that began before they were in office, and that they
have consistently held on to throughout their career," he
continued. "Hillary's passion is kids and families."

He went on to include some of what he considers her best
accomplishments: helping first responders of the September 11,
2001, terror attacks to get expanded care, implementing sanctions
against Iran as secretary of state, and being part of the
national-security team that killed terrorist leader Osama bin
Laden.

"She's ready because of her faith," he said. "She's ready
because of her heart. She's ready because of her experience.
She's ready because she knows in America we are stronger
together. My fellow Democrats, this week we begin the next
chapter in our proud story."